Speaking And Presenting In Virtual Meetings
When it comes to virtual meetings versus being up on a stage, there’s a bit of a twist. You know the drill – getting your presentation all prepped and nailing down that perfect delivery.
A recent study shows that from 2020 to 2022, virtual meetings shot up from 48% to 77%. Figuring out how to really hook your audience in those virtual meetings is critical.
Below are 2 strategies to help you feel confident when speaking and presenting in virtual meetings.
1. Talk To A Person
When you’re in a virtual meeting, instead of talking at your screen, try talking to it like you’re chatting with a buddy. Imagine you’re just having a heart-to-heart about your ideas and slides, not doing a robotic presentation.
Consider the following:
- Body Language – Even in the virtual realm, don’t ditch using positive body language. Flash a smile and let those hands do their thing – just like you would if you were right there with folks in person. It’s like bringing a bit of that natural charm to your online presence.
- Tone Of Voice – Even though you’re flying solo in your virtual space, don’t let that tone go monotonous. Switch it up, give your voice a little variety. Imagine you’re telling a gripping story around a campfire – the rises and falls in your voice? That’s what we’re talking about. Keeps those virtual ears perked up and locked onto your every word.
- Use Visuals – If you’re still feeling uneasy talking to an emotionless camera, stick a snapshot of someone you adore right next to that camera. It’s like a friendly nudge that says, “Hey, there are real faces on the other side of this lens, listening and watching.” Suddenly, you’re not just talking into thin air; you’re having a real chat with real folks. It’s like a little touch of human connection in the virtual world.
Pretend the camera is a person. Seriously, give it a human face in your mind. When you do that, you start chatting like you’re catching up with an old friend. You ease up, your words flow smoother, and suddenly, you’re not presenting, you’re just having a conversation.
2. Look At The Camera
When you’re on that virtual stage, focus your eyes right on the camera lens, not the screen. It’s like the secret ingredient for a top-notch online presence that will leave a lasting impression.
Consider the following:
- Connection – When you lock eyes with that camera lens, it’s like making every single viewer feel like you’re gazing right at them. Imagine that – turning a virtual space into a cozy, one-on-one chat. It’s the kind of move that takes your presentation game from “meh” to “wow,” instantly creating this personal, almost intimate connection through the screen.
- Be Natural – When you’ve got it in your head that you’re having a heart-to-heart with real folks, don’t get caught up in a laser-focus stare at that lens. Think about it – you wouldn’t give someone the unblinking eye-lock in a real convo, right? So, let your gaze ease up a tad. Let those eyes do their thing – gliding around just like they would when you’re chatting face-to-face.
Nailing eye contact with the camera lens instead of fixating on the screen is your ticket to a legitimate audience connection. It’s like locking eyes with every single person on the other side of the screen, making them feel like you’re right there with them. So, remember, it’s not just about the lens – it’s about the people on the flip side.
When you’re in the zone of virtual meetings, always keep this in mind – you’re talking to real, live people.
__
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:
- Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
- Attend our monthly communication workshop to build communications confidence (new topics: public speaking, advocating for yourself, building credibility, etc) here.
- Get your brand in front of 43k+ people by sponsoring our newsletter or Soulcast Media | LIVE LinkedIn events [contact: hello@soulcastmedia.com]
